If Only

If Only

By David Roth

© 10^th February, 2011

If only…

I’d shown more restraint in my life,

at times when temptation’d implore

me to stab at some fanciful, half cocked idea

left me lying out cold on the floor.

Or If only…

I’d listened to more sound advice

at the threshold of choices I made

pausing once to consider, or twice to explore

other costumes for life’s masquerade.

Oh, if only…

the back looking image of life,

twenty-twenty, or so we are told,

had hinted at consequence setting its’ traps

in the choices my tale would unfold.

Yes, if only…

I’d known, looking back through the years,

where the trail that I’ve chosen would end,

that just knowing the hard headed, thick fellow I am

I would do it all over again.